Informal Learning Basics

Informal Learning Basics provides training and development professionals with guidance and practical lessons on harnessing the vast potential of informal learning in their organizations. While formal training has been the focus of many corporate training programs for the past century or more, as much as 70 percent of all learning in the workplace occurs through informal methods. Informal Learning Basics will assist you in recognizing and utilizing the informal learning possibilities in your company, and will show you how to create a framework of highly cost-effective training opportunities and a culture of improved performance.

In addition to providing an in-depth study of the concepts of informal learning, Informal Learning Basics also offers:

• an analysis of how workers develop much of the knowledge for their jobs informally
• real-world case examples of informal learners
• an examination of the nine principles that govern informal learning in the workplace
• suggestions on how to blend formal and informal learning in your organization
• descriptions of specific activities for both group and individual informal learning opportunities
• a discussion of the importance of support personnel in creating and maintaining effective informal learning programs
• an exploration of the significant role played by technology in informal learning
• suggestions on how to best evaluate informal learning programs.

With its wealth of insight and information on capturing the potential of informal learning and using it to your organization's advantage, Informal Learning Basics is essential reading for every training and development professional.